The Transfer Tavern

Swoop on rivals for £58.5m-rated ace is the only move to replace Hazard at Chelsea

Chelsea could be without star player Eden Hazard at Stamford Bridge next season.

The Blues finished fifth in the Premier League meaning there would be no Champions League football next season. Following a wonderful World Cup with Belgium, rumours have intensified that Hazard could leave the club. With Real Madrid searching for a replacement after selling Cristiano Ronaldo to Juventus, the 27-year-old is the man they want to be their next Galactico.

Losing Hazard would be a huge blow to the Blues as they prepare for life under new manager Maurizio Sarri. The former Lille man would leave behind huge shoes that need to be filled. Sarri needs to move quickly to source his replacement.

The perfect signing could be Manchester United winger – Anthony Martial. Valued at £58.5m by Transfermarkt, the former Monaco man was tipped to be a future Balon d’Or winner after joining the club. However, despite making a blistering start to life in England, first-team opportunities have not been frequent under Jose Mourinho.

The 22-year-old was named in the starting XI in just 18 Premier League games last season, scoring nine goals and registering five assists in the league. Since the January addition of Alexis Sanchez, Martial started just six times in all competitions. It’s clear he needs to leave if he is to fulfil his potential.

Bringing the France international to Stamford Bridge would be a masterstroke by Sarri. The youngster can play on the left or through the middle making him the ideal replacement for Hazard. With a point to prove, Martial would be a man on a mission next year.